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Magnet ingestion increased over 10-year period

ORLANDO, Fla. — There has been an increase in pediatric ingestion-related injuries because of the sale and availability of powerful, neodymium magnets, according to recent study findings presented at the 2013 AAP National Conference and Exhibition.

The study included children aged 0 to 18 years (median age, 4.5 years; 65% boys) who were treated at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto for foreign body ingestions from Apr. 1, 2001 to Dec. 31, 2012.

Researchers found over 2,700 ingestions over the study period, 94 of which involved magnets. The first occurred in 2004 with a significant increase in single and multiple magnet ingestions. The greatest increase for multiple magnet ingestion was seen during the last 3 years of the study.

Overall, six patients had the magnets removed surgically and 10 patients had them removed endoscopically. There were no reported deaths.

 

Daniel Rosenfield

“Parents, teachers, physicians and the general public need to be made aware of the potential dangers, and assure that these toys are kept away from children,” Daniel Rosenfield, MD, of the University of Toronto said in a press release. “We applaud governmental bodies in the United States and abroad for taking a strong stance in removing these products from the market.”

For more information:

Rosenfield D. Abstract #22999. Presented at: AAP National Conference and Exhibition; Oct. 26-29, 2013; Orlando, Fla.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.